Pleural effusion with Stage 4 NSCLC

[Buddy03]

My 70 year old mom has Stage 4 NSCLC with mets to spine and lymph nodes. If she has a pleural effusion and had 130 cc’s of fluid removed today, does that necessarily mean it’s a malignant pleural effusion? I know we have to wait for them to test the fluid, but is it possible that there won’t be cancer cells in the fluid?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Please know that there are dozens of things that can cause pleural effusions. My largest one occurred as a result of my body’s response to an anesthesia used during a surgery on my back.

Welcome to the FtB boards. What can you tell us about your mom’s cancer? What type is it? Are they finished with her mutation testing? Have they decided on a course of treatment? There’s bound to be someone here whose had the same treatment and can answer questions about side effects.

[Buddy03 in reply to Denzie]

Thank you so much, Denzie. You are a sweetheart and your story has brought me hope. She has Stage 4 NSCLC adenocarcinoma and was diagnosed November 2016. She was on 3 different chemos when first diagnosed that did shrink her tumors significantly. She had a setback last summer. A horrendous reaction to dexamethazone which caused psychosis. After her hospital stay for this nightmare, she was on Opdivo. The dr stopped that due to a bad cough. She is currently on Tamoxifen every 3 weeks. Next scan is in June. So, now after having the Thoracentesis, her oxygen is better. It had gotten low. I’m so worried that this fluid will be malignant. I read that the prognosis for malignant pleural effusion is not good. Thanks a million for your response.

[FtB_Peggy]

Good morning, Buddy. Denzie, as usual, is exactly right, there are many causes. I wish there was a definitive answer for you.

I will also private message you,

Peggy